Thinking about buying a used Toyota 86 (2012–2023) in New Zealand? We've documented 31 known faults for this model spanning engine, transmission, suspension, and fluid leaks. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
31
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$600–$2,000
Typical repair
6
Systems covered
Known Toyota 86 faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01FA20D Cylinder Bore Scoring from Inadequate Lubrication
CriticalCommonEngine $8,000–$18,000 to fix
When the FA20D's chronic oil consumption is not monitored or the oil interval is extended beyond factory-recommended limits, the cylinder bores develop scoring and scuffing as oil film thickness drops below the minimum needed to protect the aluminium-lined bores. Bore scoring progresses rapidly once started and results in metal-to-metal contact, deep scratches in the bore surface, and rapid engine failure requiring full rebuild or replacement. This is distinct from the ring-seal fault and represents the terminal consequence of unmanaged oil consumption.
Symptoms to notice
Loud metallic knock or rattle from the engine block at idle or under load
Extremely high oil consumption (more than 1 litre per 500 km)
Low oil pressure warning light illuminating at operating temperature
Compression test reveals one or more cylinders significantly below specification
Blue-black exhaust smoke under all operating conditions, not just deceleration
What to check
Request a compression and leakdown test on all four cylinders – any cylinder below 150 psi or leakdown above 15% warrants investigation. Listen for a metallic knocking or ticking at idle that increases with RPM. Check for milky or heavily contaminated oil on the dipstick. Inspect the oil cap and rocker cover for excessive blow-by residue.
Where to look: FA20D engine – cylinder bores and piston rings, most often cylinders 2 and 3 (horizontally opposed layout)
Ask the seller
“Has the engine ever been rebuilt or had internal work done, and do you have documentation?”
“Have you ever received a low oil pressure warning light while driving?”
“Is the seller willing to allow a compression and leakdown test prior to purchase?”
02Oil consumption on hard-driven / track cars (FA20)
MinorOccasionalEngine $300–$6,000 to fix
The FA20 boxer can use noticeable oil, especially on cars that have been driven hard, tracked or run low on oil. Left unchecked, running low accelerates wear. It is not universal — a gently used, well-serviced car may use very little — but on a sporty coupe you should assume some cars have had a hard life.
Symptoms to notice
Oil level low between services
Light blue smoke on hard acceleration
Faint burnt-oil smell
What to check
Pull the dipstick — is it at or near full and clean? Ask how much oil it uses between services. Look for track-day stickers, a roll cage, or aftermarket suspension/exhaust that hint at a hard life. Cold-start and watch the exhaust for smoke.
Where to look: Engine dipstick / exhaust tailpipe
Ask the seller
“How much oil does it use between changes?”
“Has this car ever been tracked?”
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
SuspensionMajor
SuspensionMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
SuspensionMajor
BrakesMajor
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMinor
EngineMinor
TransmissionMinor
EngineMinor
EngineMinor
SuspensionMinor
SuspensionMinor
Body & RustMinor
Fluid LeaksMinor
EngineMinor
29 more documented faults on the Toyota 86
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 31 documented faults for the Toyota 86, the recurring problem areas are engine, transmission, and suspension. A Toyota 86 with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Toyota 86?
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We've catalogued 31 known faults for the Toyota 86, covering engine, transmission, and suspension. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Toyota 86?
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Most single repairs on the Toyota 86 fall between $600–$2,000 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 31 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Toyota 86?
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Yes. A Toyota 86 inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.